I love my job! Today.

I was just watching last night's American Idol episode and doing laundry. You know the routine ... hanging clothes and folding towels, sheets and pillowcases. Such a mundane task. Then during the first commercial break, I went into our bathroom to put away the folded towels and replace the used towels with fresh towels.

That's when it occurred to me. As I was taking down my husband's towel that was still slightly damp from his morning shower, I felt such joy! I love my job! I'm not sure if he even realizes that I give him a fresh towel every time I do laundry. But, I love that I can serve him. In such a simple way, I can do something nice for him.

I haven't always loved this aspect of my job. So, why do I now?

Perhaps, it's because of a conversation I had with a friend last night. She commented on how sweet she thought it was that when Dwight spoke in church last week about maintaining faith while enduring trials, the only thing he talked about as a trial was my health issues. It was just me that was at the top of his radar. She thought it was sweet. I hadn't really thought about it.

It was sweet.

She also shared with me a conversation she had with a friend. This friend had attended one of the conventions they have about families. I've heard of it. You probably have too. It's a worldwide conference to discuss ways that we can strengthen the family in these days when the idea of family is really being attacked. One of the comments that was made by a woman from another country was directed to the women of the western culture. In her country, women have been forced to start their children in government run schools by the age of 2 (or was it 3?) and they are required to go to work. She spoke of her confusion as to why women of the western culture would willingly choose to do those things.

I recognize that not all women willingly choose to put their kids in school early and I am truly aware of how many women are returning to the workplace when their heart's greatest desire is to be a full-time homemaker. However, with that said, and understanding that I am not placing judgment on anyone's situation, I think she has a very valid point.

And, today, I am very thankful for the mundane tasks like laundry, cleaning bottles, changing diapers, vacuuming, etc. I am thankful for the opportunity I have to serve my family, to have my children with me, and to (do my best to) make my home a little piece of heaven.

I hope you love your job today, too. Whatever that job may be.